Earthquakes strike without warning, leaving devastation in their wake. Being prepared and knowing what to do in those crucial moments can mean the difference between survival and disaster. As someone who believes in the power of readiness, I know how much peace of mind comes from having a plan. Earthquakes can’t be stopped, but we can control how we respond to them. From safeguarding your home to protecting your loved ones during the quake, every step matters. Let’s explore essential tips that could save lives when the ground starts shaking.
Secure Heavy Items in Your Home
Unsecured furniture and objects become dangerous projectiles during an earthquake. Use brackets or straps to anchor bookshelves, cabinets, and TVs to walls. Store heavy items on lower shelves and avoid placing anything heavy above beds or seating areas. These precautions protect your family from falling debris.
Know Your Home’s Weak Points
Every home has vulnerabilities, especially older buildings. Identify areas that may collapse, like unreinforced walls or chimneys. Consider retrofitting weak spots if you live in an earthquake-prone area. Knowing where your safest spaces are, like doorframes or sturdy tables, ensures you know where to take cover quickly.
Create an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is crucial for any disaster, including earthquakes. Pack essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a whistle, a first-aid kit, and medications. Store it in an easily accessible location, and make sure all family members know where it is.
Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”
When the shaking begins, the best way to protect yourself is by following this drill. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Avoid windows, mirrors, or anything that could shatter and injure you. Regular practice helps make this instinctive.
Plan Escape Routes for After the Quake
Once the shaking stops, structural damage may block exits or create hazards. Have a plan for how to leave your home safely, avoiding broken glass, unstable walls, or downed power lines. Ensure every family member knows these routes and practices using them during drills.
Turn Off Utilities Quickly
Earthquakes often damage gas lines and electrical systems, increasing the risk of fires. Learn how to shut off your gas, electricity, and water supplies safely. Keep a wrench or gas shutoff tool in a designated spot, and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it.
Stay Away From Windows and Glass
Windows and mirrors can break during an earthquake, causing severe injuries. Move to an interior space away from any glass and avoid looking outside until the shaking stops. This simple action could prevent cuts or worse during a quake.
Keep Shoes Near Your Bed
One of the most common injuries after an earthquake is from stepping on broken glass or debris. Keep a sturdy pair of shoes or boots near your bed so you can put them on immediately if an earthquake strikes at night. This small habit can protect your feet during the chaos.
Be Ready for Aftershocks
Aftershocks can strike minutes, hours, or even days after the initial earthquake. Treat every aftershock as if it’s a major quake by returning to safety positions and checking your surroundings. Understanding this risk can help you stay alert and prepared.
Stay Informed Through Emergency Alerts
Sign up for local emergency alert systems or download apps that notify you of earthquakes. These services can provide seconds of advance warning, which could save lives. Stay tuned to the radio or news for updates on rescue efforts and hazards like tsunamis or landslides.
Have a Communication Plan
Earthquakes often disrupt phone lines, making communication difficult. Develop a plan with your family for how to contact each other or meet at a designated spot. Consider using text messages, which are more likely to go through during emergencies.
Avoid Dangerous Outdoor Areas
If you’re outside when an earthquake strikes, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. Find an open area and stay there until the shaking stops. Falling debris and collapsing structures are the biggest risks outdoors.
24 Best Rifles Under $1200 for Preppers, Hunters, and Homesteaders
When it comes to preparedness, a reliable rifle is worth its weight in gold. Thankfully, you don’t need to empty your wallet to get a solid firearm that’ll stand up to the elements and perform when you need it most. Mid-priced rifles offer the perfect balance of affordability and quality, giving you confidence whether you’re out hunting, practicing at the range, or prepping for emergencies. After running thousands of rounds through a variety of rifles over the years, here’s my list of top picks that hit the mark for both value and reliability. These rifles each offer serious bang for your buck, whether you’re looking for your first gun or adding to a growing collection.
Read More: 24 Best Rifles Under $1200 for Preppers, Hunters, and Homesteaders
34 Best Shotguns of All Time
When it comes to shotguns, few other firearms hold such a range of purpose, heritage, and outright dependability. From the grit of the duck blind to the intensity of a skeet range, shotguns have long been the tool of choice for hunters, competitors, law enforcement, and home defenders alike. Some shotguns on this list helped define their category; others redefined it.
Read More: 34 Best Shotguns of All Time
25 Legendary Hunting Rifles from the Last Half Century
When it comes to picking the “best” hunting rifle, it’s all about what you’re chasing, the features you prefer, and how much you’re willing to spend. Every hunter has their own go-to. But let’s face it—some rifles just stand out. Over the last 50 years, a few have become legends in their own right. I’ve rounded up a selection that spans everything from trusty deer rifles to heavy-hitting big game beasts. Do you see your favorite on the list? Or did I miss one you swear by?
Read More: 25 Legendary Hunting Rifles from the Last Half Century
